Hay Springs City Council Minutes July 12, 2016

Call to Order: Mayor Richard McKay called the Regular Meeting of the Hay Springs City Council to order at 7:00 p.m. Council persons Luke Marcy, Marcella Hale and Keith Kearns were present. Jim Varvel and City Attorney Jamian Simmons were absent. It was noted that the Open Meetings Act is posted.

Minutes Approval: Marcy made motion, Hale seconded to approve the minutes from the June 14, 2016 Regular Meeting. All voted aye. Motion carried.

Agenda Approval: Kearns made motion, Marcy seconded to approve the agenda for July 12, 2016. All voted aye. Motion carried.

Public concerns: It was brought to the council’s attention by members of the public that the “bat house” at 117 North Miller St. garage is falling into a neighboring property and the smell from the house is getting worse. The person who owns the property is deceased and the property is currently tied up in a tax deed. The City will have to research who owns the property before any action can be taken. Mayor: going on record: when members of the public are walking their dogs he would like to see animal waste disposed of responsibly instead of left on other people’s property. The Regular Council Meeting agenda has been shortened to lessen meeting time. Reports for departments were typed out as lists for the council members to review.

Water Loss Report: 37% loss this month. Kearns asked is wells were working properly and how often they are running due to the hot, dry weather. Aaron stated the wells have been running constantly but they are functioning properly at this time; however, if this dry spell continues he may need to consider starting water restrictions.

Follow-Up on Lagoon: Mayor reported Nebraska DEQ received letter from engineer Dave Coe and they are happy with planned repairs.

Hospital/Clinic Remodel: Getting close to finishing.

Pivot contract approval: No update.

Sidewalk Replacement: City is still researching previously vacated sidewalks in town. Trying to figure out how best to approach issue while remaining consistent and fair with members of the public according to our respective ordinance. It was noted there are only two city employees available and the sidewalks issue takes away from their daily duties so the city will have to do this over time in order to come to a mutual resolve.

Greenough/Palmer Subdivision: Kearns informed the council that City Attorney Jamian Simmons will need to write a resolution for the subdivision before council approval can be granted. Requested the presence of the Greenoughs at the August 9, 2016 Regular Council Meeting for finalization. Kearns made motion to table until resolution is produced.

Payment of claims – pay bills as they come in and approve claims at council meeting to avoid late fees and disconnect notices: Kearns inquired if due dates had been changed. He proposed calling and asking about an option that would work best according to our payment schedule.

Purchase of laptop from Sandhills Computer up to $500 for cemetery implementation: There was much discussion. Hale made motion, Marcy seconded to buy a laptop for up to $500 from Mike Hunzeker at Sandhills Computer. All voted aye. Motion carried.

Approval for insurance for Kayley Taylor: No council approval needed.

Ord commissioner appointment for Housing Authority per letter to Mayor from Jeanie Ashley: Tabled until next meeting.

Cemetery Well: Dustin White made repairs to well. He suspected a snake had caused problems. Discussion followed of future well maintenance and performance. Council felt it would be addressed as needed.

Volleyball area in park: Discussion was made and the city was given the go ahead to develop a volleyball sand area in the park.

Mayor: going on record: Unless it is an absolute emergency he feels the city employees should not work on Sunday. If members of the public have an emergency they are to contact the Mayor, Richard McKay.

No executive session.

Items for next meeting were discussed.

There being no further business, Hale made motion, Marcy seconded to adjourn at 8:10 p.m. All voted aye. Motion carried